The future of single-sex spaces at the Dolphin Centre, plans for thousands of new homes and changes to how planning decisions are made were among the issues discussed when Darlington Borough Council met on Thursday.
Here's what you should know about the discussions that took place at Darlington Borough Council's five-hour-long full council sitting:
Questions were raised about single-sex spaces at the Dolphin Centre
The council faced questions about single-sex changing and toilet facilities at the Dolphin Centre.
The issue was raised during the public questions section of the meeting, with councillors asked about the authority's approach following the Supreme Court ruling on biological sex, alongside wider concerns about equality guidance and safeguarding.
Lainey Briody asked: "If I were using the women’s changing room at the Dolphin Centre gym and felt uncomfortable because I believed a transwoman was wrongly using it I would want a member of staff to help me. What is the council’s policy?"
Cllr Matthew Roche responded: "The council does not have a specific policy on this, but is committed to following the statutory guidance.
"If someone feels unsafe for any reason, they can approach a member of staff who will help them.
"Staff are aware of the escalation policy and there is always a member of staff on duty who is fully trained in safeguarding, customer service, quality and diversity and is briefed on the EHRC code.
"As is suggested in the code, the situation will be dealt with sensitively and on a case-by-case basis."
(Image: Stuart Boulton)
Darlington's Local Plan moved forward
Councillors approved the next stage of consultation on Darlington's Local Plan, which will guide development in the borough until 2042.
The council received around 100 responses and more than 650 comments during an earlier consultation exercise.
The plan includes a target of 490 new homes a year and identifies land capable of delivering more than 9,000 homes.
Proposed housing allocations include sites at Tees Grange, Kendrew Street and Maidendale, while Skerningham Garden Village remains a key part of the borough's growth plans.
Funding approved for Red Hall Primary School works
Councillors approved £928,305 of funding for improvement works at Red Hall Primary School ahead of its planned move into the Education Village Academy Trust (EVAT) from January 1, 2027.
The funding package includes £890,755 through council borrowing and £37,550 from a Department for Education allocation.
The council report said the work is needed to address priority maintenance issues at the school before academisation.
Annual borrowing costs are expected to be around £61,500 over 30 years.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Councillors backed changes aimed at shortening meetings
A governance review concluded that the council's existing model was working, but recommended changes to improve accountability, scrutiny and public engagement.
Among the changes approved were plans for meetings to aim for a three-hour duration, with indicative time allocations for public questions, questions to the leader and notices of motion.
Public questions will also be limited to 250 words and one supplementary question - this was labelled by some opposition councillors as anti-accountability.
(Image: LDRS)
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Major changes to planning decisions are on the way
Members considered reforms ahead of the introduction of the Government's National Scheme of Delegation on October 31.
The changes mean more planning applications will be decided by council officers rather than councillors sitting on planning committees.
Applications will only go before committee in limited circumstances where significant economic, social, environmental or planning issues are identified.
Planning committees will also be capped at 13 members.